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Himalayan olyra (Olyra longicaudata) — Olyridae

Himalayan olyra

Olyra longicaudata
Family: Olyridae

The Himalayan olyra (Olyra longicaudata) is a freshwater fish of the family Olyridae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Myanmar, India

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Description

The Himalayan olyra is a small catfish (Olyridae) from clear mountain streams of the eastern Himalaya and adjacent Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 11 cm and has an elongate body with a long tail stalk, an adipose fin and four pairs of barbels. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters among stones, gravel and roots of flowing water and searches for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Himalayan olyra?

The Himalayan olyra has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Himalayan olyra live?

The Himalayan olyra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Myanmar, India

How big does the Himalayan olyra get?

The Himalayan olyra grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Himalayan olyra dangerous to humans?

No, the Himalayan olyra is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Himalayan olyra sourced
Scientific name
Olyra longicaudata
Family
Olyridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Myanmar, India sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0
Fin

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